Imam (A) has the same birthdate as our Holy Prophet (S). Amongst
his titles are al-Faazil (the Successful) and at-Tahir (the Pure). He was
brought up in the care of his grandfather, Imam Ali Zainul Abideen (A) for 12
years and then remained under the guidance of his father, Imam Muhammad
al-Baqir (A) for another 19 years.

During the lifetime of Imam (A), the Bani Abbas took over the reins
of political power from the Bani Umayyah. In this period of internal wars and
upheavals, he was not disturbed by the rulers. He used this opportunity to
advance the work started by his father and he set up a large teaching centre.

Many students from foreign countries came to learn from Imam (A).
His classes and sessions of instruction produced 4,000 scholars of Hadith and
the sciences. Amongst his famous students were Hisham bin Hakam, Jaabir bin
Hayyaan and Abu Hanifah. Imam (A) was responsible for organising the Fiqh
(laws) of the Shia faith, which is why we are sometimes known as the Ja'fari
Shia.

Once a man from Iran by the name of Sahl bin Hasan came to Imam (A)
and asked him why he did not fight for his right when there were so many Shia
in Iran ready to fight with him. In reply Imam (A) took Sahl to the fire place
and asked him to sit in the blazing fire. Sahl began to tremble and said that
he had a family to return to, and begged to be excused from this test.

Meanwhile, Haroon Makki, a close companion of Imam (A), arrived,
having just returned from Haj. Imam (A) asked him to jump in the fire and he
did so at once. After a while, Imam (A) asked Sahl to look in the fire place.
Sahl saw that Haroon sat there, quite unharmed. Imam (A) asked Sahl how many
such followers were there in Iran, to which the man replied, "None, master."
Having made his point, Imam (A) asked Haroon to come out of the fire.

Once, a man falsely accused Imam (A) of plotting against the Bani
Abbas Caliph, Mansoor Dawanaqi. When he was called to the court to explain his
actions, Imam (A) denied the allegation and asked the man to repeat his words
under oath. The man began the oath by praising Allah, but Imam (A) asked him to
make his statement by saying that he was free from the protection of Allah and
trusted his own strength and wisdom. When the man took the oath against Imam
(A) in this way, his leg was paralysed immediately. Mansoor ordered the man to
be thrown out of his court.

Once in Madina there was a shortage of wheat flour and prices of
the flour were very high. Imam (A) asked his servant what their situation was.
The servant replied that they had plenty of wheat and should have no problem
for a long time. Imam (A) said, "sell the wheat in the market and let us face
the situation along with everyone else." In this way he taught that hoarding is
discouraged by Islam.

Imam (A) was once called to the court of Mansoor who was in an
extremely angry mood towards him. When he came to the court, a man called Rabi
saw that he was reciting something quietly.

Gradually, the anger of Mansoor died down, and by the time Imam (A)
approached him, he was pleased to see him. Later, Rabi asked him what he was
reciting, and he said it was the prayer to Allah which his great grandfather
Imam Husain (A) used to recite as follows:

"O my Provision in time of hardship, O my Help in the face of
disaster, guard me with Your Eye which never sleeps, surround me with Your
impenetrable fortress."

Rabi said that he learnt this prayer and never remained in hard
times after he recited it.

Towards the end of his life severe restrictions were put on Imam
(A) by Mansoor, who used to torture the Shia mercilessly. Finally he sent some
poisoned grapes to his governor in Madina, Muhammad bin Sulayman, with
instructions to give them to Imam (A). The poison took its effect and Imam (A)
breathed his last on 25th Shawwal 148 A.H. at the age of 63 years. He is buried
in Jannatul Baqee next to his father.

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